"Explain the part Pilgrimage plays in the life of Christians"

Georgina Thomas -AO2- "Explain the Part Pilgrimage plays in the life of Christians" There are many reasons for going on pilgrimage. Some go on Pilgrimage searching for God, to reaffirm their faith. Others go to have the opportunity to worship freely with other believers, a feeling of belonging, being 'allowed' to worship. Another reason is to go as an act of penance to make up for sin; this reason isn't as common as it was in the Middle Ages when priests would sometimes give pilgrimage as a penance The benefits from going on pilgrimage vary from person to person. A sense of belonging is one of the many things gained. The person I interviewed was a relative who went on pilgrimage in May of this year, she said 'I gained a lot from travelling; I had an overwhelming mountaintop experience whilst proceeding around the Stations of the Cross, meeting new people along the way'. She also said "the spiritual discipline showed me a kind of peacefulness I don't normally come across.' my relative believes she can find peace in Lourdes that she cannot get anywhere else. Others may say a lot is gained purely if you stay open to the new surroundings. Lasting friendships are gained in this way. Some pilgrims may strengthen their relationship with God and gain an understanding of their blessings and failings. Also pilgrims can realize how lucky they are, with good health and not take it for

  • Word count: 844
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"Explain what a study of Mark's Gospel can tell Christians about the nature of discipleship"

"Explain what a study of Mark's Gospel can tell Christians about the nature of discipleship" By looking at Marks's Gospel we can find out a lot about the nature of Discipleship and the Apostles. The Apostles name's were Simon Peter, Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, John his brother, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the publican who changed his name from Levi to indicate a new life, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananite and Judas. The word 'Apostle' means someone chosen out ordinary disciples to become a leader. When a priest/vicar is ordained, this means he is now an Apostle. An Apostle is anyone chosen to Preach. There is some controversy to whether Mary Magdalene is an Apostle, but according to Mark, she is not counted in the final twelve. Catholics would say that Apostles are only male leaders in the church, but in the Church of England they believe that any disciple can become an Apostle, male of female. The word Apostle is from the Greek word 'to send'. A disciple is someone who learns, listens and follows. Anybody can be a disciple and anyone who follows Jesus is a disciple. When Jesus called the Apostles, they were ordinary men with ordinary lives who all wanted something. The four fishermen wanted taxes to change and the tax collector Mathew led a comfortable life, but was lonely. There were two zealots in the group, and their

  • Word count: 983
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"Instruction for the Early Church was the Main Purpose of John's Discourses" - Examine and Assess this Statement with Reference to Any Two "I am" Discourses.

3CA 24th November 2003 "Instruction for the Early Church was the Main Purpose of John's Discourses." Examine and Assess this Statement with Reference to Any Two "I am" Discourses Instruction for the Early Church is an important function of the discourses in John's Gospel. Indeed, the scholar Bultmann describes the discourses as sermons because the discourses instruct the Early Church in the beliefs of Christianity. The discourses instruct Early Christians in John's Christology as the divine and human nature of Jesus is emphasised. For example, in the True Vine Discourse, Bultmann points out that Jesus' absolute vine nature links him with the divine; Jesus is not is not like a vine, he is the vine. In the Resurrection and the Life Discourse Jesus points out that through him, and only through him can people access eternal life "he who believes in me will live even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." It was important for the Early Church to stress Jesus' divine authority in his relationship with God. In the Resurrection Discourse Jesus is called the "Son of God", in the True Vine Discourse Jesus links directly himself with God: "everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you". This is linked to the theme of Jesus being eternally with God, illustrated in the Prologue "The Word (Jesus)

  • Word count: 886
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"It is not possible to be a true disciple of Jesus in the modern world" , do you agree, give reasons for your answer, showing you have considered more than one point of view, refer to Christianity in your answer.

A03, DISCIPLESHIP COURSEWORK. QUESTION: "It is not possible to be a true disciple of Jesus in the modern world" , do you agree, give reasons for your answer, showing you have considered more than one point of view, refer to Christianity in your answer. ANSWER: No I do not agree with the statement " It is not possible to be a true disciple of Jesus in the modern world" Discipleship means denying yourself, carrying your cross and following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. A disciple is a person who devotes their life and follows the ways and teachings of Jesus Christ .Discipleship involves making material sacrifices. Obviously there are several differences in our world today and the world of Jesus' such modern technology nowadays, such as computers, telephones, mobile phones and so on, whereas in Jesus' day these things were completely unheard of. These differences make our world today completely different to that of which Jesus would have lived in however in my opinion discipleship still exists in our world today. Calling today can be described as 'vocation' . We are all called to continue the good work of Jesus Christ, we as Christians work and pray for the growth of the kingdom of God on earth. Priest and Nuns are also called, they live the values of Jesus in our world today, and from this they give witness to others . Just like the first disciples, we as Christians

  • Word count: 923
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"Hajj is really a journey within". Do you agree or disagree?

RE Coursework C On the one hand I think that Hajj is not only a journey within, as there are parts that will inflict great physical damage and take a great toll on many Muslims. Each event proves to be both mentally and physically challenging, especially the Sai; the main rite of Umra and part of Hajj, it is the proceeding between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, and also the Stand, as previously mentioned. One could say that as long as these events are involved, the pilgrimage is not only a journey within, and without them, you would not be following the example of the Prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, if there were no physical side to the Hajj experience, then how would it be possible for a pilgrim to remember? As the physical attributes of the journey leaves reminders upon the pilgrim's body, such as scars, bruises and aching muscles; it is incredibly rare that someone could not find the events challenging. Another view that should be stated is the fact that we are both body and soul; therefore as humans, a true pilgrimage is a journey within and without. This is a strong statement as it is a simple fact, yet very effective and straight to the point, implying that a true pilgrimage is not just a journey within. On the other hand, many Muslims would be used to facing such a hot climate and this would present absolutely no obstacle to them, therefore withstanding

  • Word count: 684
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"It strengthens a Jewish family to share rituals at home" Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view.

"It strengthens a Jewish family to share rituals at home" Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. There are two arguments about this statement that both need to be looked at. The main argument, which I see as being very persuasive, is that the home acts as a point from which the 'family' can gather and socialise, just be a family. The opposing argument is simply that by gathering together and spending time together anywhere can strengthen a family. I think that the sharing rituals in the home will strengthen the family more than if it was done elsewhere. In modern day society there are many debates and studies that state that the modern family does not spend enough time together. The simple solution would be to take specific times during the week when 'family' activities can take place. When a religion such as Judaism almost demands of Jews that they spend a large amount of time together as a family, they will become stronger and their bonds of love and loyalty tighter. When they take part in festivals however, they are not only spending time with family members but also with God. The importance of the family in Judaism is shown by the many festivals and rituals that families take part in, in their homes. When a ritual; the Sabbath for example, has roles for each family member. The women light

  • Word count: 772
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"It strengthens the Jewish family to share religious rituals at home" - Discuss.

C) "It strengthens the Jewish family to share religious rituals at home". The Jewish calendar holds a number of different festivals and celebrations. These include Shabbat, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, all of which have a great importance in the history of Judaism. These are holy days where time is spent both in the synagogue and the home, most often with family and friends. Most of the celebrations include a special meal and specific rituals for the family to take part in. These are often traditional and have been practised for thousands of years. Sharing these rituals are said to strengthen Jewish families, however there are people who disagree. Celebrating these occasions with the family and making them happy, enjoyable and strengthening times would be difficult and upsetting for a family that have recently lost a loved one. All the pretence happiness and smiles could make the occasion seem false and unhelpful to those who are mourning. As many of these festivals are commandments there is added pressure to take part in them. The family would not enjoy themselves and it seems somewhat unfair to push the event upon them. Many of these festivals involve detailed preparations that are hard work and could cause tensions between family members. Some people doubt whether all of the festivals and celebrations are necessary and think that Judaism asks too much of its

  • Word count: 992
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"Jesus was a good man, but that is all." Do you agree or disagree?

"Jesus was a good man, but that is all." Do you agree or disagree? I feel that to truly understand the significance of this quotation we should define the real meaning of the word "good." This quotation raises the issues of Jesus simply as a man who was good or that it emphasises the special relationship between Jesus and God. (Jesus was often referred to as the Son of God.) I feel that these are the two main ways that we can interpret the quotation. To look at Jesus as simply a good man who had a philosophy of doing good and showing compassion to others is safe but we already know that Jesus is not a mere man. He is so much more than a man; we can see this by looking at the way the gospel of Mark begins: "This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (Mark Chapter 1 Verse 1) Mark clearly wants to emphasise and concentrate on the special relationship between Jesus and God. We usually see God to be the epitome of "good", by saying this I mean that we as human beings look at God as a role model. We try to be like him and live up to his morals and values every day. By stressing this special bond it also shows that Jesus had a certain amount of authority. Jesus shows kindness and compassion in many of his actions. To a certain extent it is kindness and compassion that provides Jesus a motive to perform miracles. For example when "Jesus Feeds a Great Crowd":

  • Word count: 694
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Rap based on the parable of Lazarus.

The parable of Lazarus and the rich man The parable of Lazarus and the rich man is often presented as Bible "proof" that good people go to heaven and bad people go to a "hell" where they are tormented by fire. Here is the text of the parable, as found in Luke 16:19-31: There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27. Then he

  • Word count: 811
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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What is involved in pilgrimage? Illustrate the differing approaches to pilgrimage by referring to 2 or more places of pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage AO1 What is involved in pilgrimage? Illustrate the differing approaches to pilgrimage by referring to 2 or more places of pilgrimage. The word Pilgrimage means the journey to a holy place. Pilgrimages are found in all of the religions in the world. Islam's go to Makkah, Hindus go to Benares on the River Gange, Buddha's go to Bodhgaya, Sikhs go to Amritsar and Jews and Christians go to Jerusalem. There are many different reasons people go on Pilgrimage. Some people go to feel the holiness of a place. Some go to come closer to God or to seek his forgiveness. Others go to show their devotion to God, it is a commitment in their Religion. Another reason they go is to seek Gods help. This could be in a physical way, a healing or cure from a disease, or in a more spiritual way. Pilgrimage is not a new idea. In Genesis 47:9 it says "And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage." One of the main places of Christian pilgrimage is Lourdes. In February 1858, Bernadette Soubirous, the sickly daughter of a poor miller was collecting fire wood with her sister and a friend near a cave called Massabielle, on the outskirts Lourdes, which was then a small

  • Word count: 1792
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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